A setback for virus control, as deluded half-wits take to the street

Subscribe to the Daily CurveFlattener. It's always free. Just enter your email address above. 

April 22, 2020 -- Happy Hump Day, CurveFlatteners. Today’s reporting is coming to you from Oakville, Ont., courtesy of Chronicle’s assistant editor Kylie Rebernik, with the able assistance of Ms. Snowball, aka "Snowy" (pictured below.)

Healthcare workers continue to be the heroes in the fight against Covid-19. During the past weekend  public demonstrations were observed in several U.S. centers in response to stay-at-home orders, and it was healthcare workers who took up the call to block the ‘anti-quarantine’ protesters. In Denver, a small group of healthcare workers stood blocking a crosswalk in order to stop a procession of protesters proceeding to the state capitol building. (It should be noted they were protesting from the comfort of their cars.)

In contrast, there are others who have recognized the hard work and sacrifices that those on the front line continue to make. Artist Graffmatt recently released artwork honoring front line healthcare workers (see right.) And Loblaws just announced that they are joining other Canadian grocery chains in providing health workers priority access to their stores. The policy, which went into effect this Monday, allows health workers to go to the front of the queue.

COVID CHRONICLE 04/22/2020

• Morneau Shepell just released their full Mental Health Index. Expanding on preliminary research that was released on April 2, 2020, the full report outlines how the current pandemic is affecting Canadians. Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, are experiencing the biggest decline in mental health. 

• Due to a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), Public Health England in the UK has suggested the healthcare workers reuse their PPE. According to editorial published in the BMJ (Apr. 20, 2020), this has puts the health and safety of patients and healthcare workers at risk. Elsewhere, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau responded to questions about Canada’s shortage of PPE. 
• A new study conducted by the University of Southern California and Los Angeles County suggests that Covid-19 is more widespread that current testing numbers report

STORIES CHRONICLE IS WORKING ON TODAY

Assistant editor Cory Perla has interviewed British Columbia surgeon Dr. Jeff Donovan for The Chronicle of Cosmetic Medicine + Surgery’s Cosmetic Update feature.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE LISTENING TO...

Hayley Williams' Petals for Armor I and II. After striking out on her own, Paramore’s Williams has released some vulnerable music that is a departure from her previous work. I enjoy “Simmer”, in particular her rendition in the BBC Live Lounge.

LATER WE ARE WATCHING...

The Chicago Series. Okay, not all of it, just "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago PD." Sometimes you just want to watch entertainment that doesn't require you to think too much.  

TONIGHT WE ARE COOKING...

Instant-Pot Mac & Cheese. Homemade mac and cheese in less than 20 minutes? We're going for it.

HOW IS YOUR WEEK GOING? 

Please make use of the comments section at the Daily CurveFlattener, to let us know what you're up to today. Or feel free to check in via LinkedIn, email, or your choice of connector. By all means, pass this newsletter along to your colleagues.

That's it. Stay in touch, stay safe. The CurveFlattener is back will a new report tomorrow from my colleague Cory.